Oligarquia política e elite económica no Porto dos séculos XV e XVI

Abstract

This essay aims to point out the major differences and conflicts amongst mercantile elites in Porto during the transition from the Middle Ages to the Early Modern Period. The main focus falls on describing the economic dynamics as well as the political and social setting of the time, with special emphasis placed on the environment of hostility resulting from the arrival of new merchants in Porto. The supremacy of the traditional Porto bourgeoisie was then faced with a challenge, becoming decadent in terms of economic wealth, while still holding nevertheless municipal authority.